White Chocolate Panna Cotta

I am always a bit stumped when Easter comes around. What exactly do you cook when the time comes?

By now I think eggs are such a cliché. Spring lamb perhaps? Since there are always tonnes of chocolate eggs and bunnies in the shops, I thought chocolate would make a good theme and decided to take the plunge and attempt to make my first panna cotta ever.

It was only last year I lost my panna cotta virginity – I seem to be losing my virginity a lot these days. Blame A.A. Gill for my hesitancy to try the dessert because in one restaurant review he equated it to “penguin snot”. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it? So after a lot of coaxing from my friend Robyn, when we ate at Quaglino’s, I took a bite and was instantly sold. I hope the photos make you keen to try it too!

Soak the gelatine sheets in a plate of cold water until soft, then set aside until ready to use.

Heat the cream, milk and caster sugar in a heavy-based saucepan over low heat to melt the sugar, stirring occasionally.

When the cream starts to bubble up the sides of the saucepan, remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate until melted.

Drain the excess water off the gelatine and add the gelatine to the cream mixture. Stir until dissolved.

Pour the mixture into the prepared mould or cups and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.

The panna cotta should have a slight wobble when ready to serve. Unmould onto a serving platter or plates and serve.

Serving Suggestion

Serve with fresh berries, e.g. raspberries and blackberries.

Notes

Since I only find gelatine in powder form I had to improvise. In my case one sachet (14g) sets one pint. Each sachet needs 125ml (½ cup) of water and I ended up needing 2 sachets plus 250ml (1 cup) of water along with all the ingredients above. It worked well!

Double cream gave the panna cotta a certain heaviness. It is worth a try making it with single cream instead.

Instead of using cooking spray I simply used silicone moulds that don’t need any greasing.

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I am waiting for my panna cotta to set as we speak ! waiting, waiting, waiting !!!!! I cant believe how easy it was and the children are looking forward to their “chocolate jelly !!” Thanks for recipe.

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